Reintroducing Top in Fiction + Exciting Updates Ahead

A post for fiction readers and writers everywhere!

Hello Fiction Lovers,

It’s been nearly two years since we launched Top in Fiction (TiF)—a newsletter and community built to celebrate the best in storytelling—and we’re thrilled to share how far we’ve come together.

Why We Started

TiF was created at a time when discovering fiction was harder than it should be. Readers wanted stories worth reading, and writers deserved a spotlight. That’s why we built a home where stories could be found, shared, and celebrated.

Now, with TiF Press, we’re meeting another moment: writers today need a place to connect with each other and take their hard work to the next level—if they want to. TiF Press is our answer, offering a space for anthologies, digital magazines, serialized fiction, and more.

A Big Milestone 🎉

Our community is very close to surpassing 2,000+ fiction submissions, all searchable in our growing story database. You can explore stories by genre, length, or even by a favorite publication or author.

But here’s the thing—we think the database deserves a better name. That’s where you come in!

Help Us Choose a New Name

We’ve narrowed it down to five options, and we’d love your input.

What’s New

• TiF Press: A brand-new publishing space to release anthologies, digital magazines, and spotlight serialized fiction in exciting new ways. Partnerships with other writing communities are on the horizon—bringing even more opportunities for storytellers.

• Events & Contests:

  • Inanimate Objects (submissions close Oct 15): Our writing contest will conclude with a live-streamed winner announcement on Halloween Day.

  • Pentober 2025: 31 days. 31 prompts. Ink, paper, and terror—all written by you. The prompt list is Live now on our TiF Press Forum (Must be a member to see the list. Membership is free.). Share your progress by tagging

    TiF Team
    on Substack Notes! List shared with everyone tomorrow, September 29th.

  • Day of Thanks (Nov 24): A chance to give thanks to the writers and stories that inspired you in 2025. More info coming November 17th.

  • Secret Santa Plot-Swap (Dec 22): Exchange story ideas as gifts, and see how another writer brings yours to life. More info coming November 10th.

What’s Next

As we look ahead, our mission remains the same: to connect readers with stories worth reading and writers with opportunities worth seizing. Thank you for being part of this growing, creative community—we couldn’t do it without you.

Stay inspired,
The TiF Team